PANJIM, AUG 12
In an interesting development, the Shiv Sena High Command on Thursday dissolved the party’s Goa State executive committee after two of their senior office bearers were caught on camera extorting money from a hotel in Porvorim.
In a communication received by party’s Goa office on Thursday, former Shiv Sena state chief Ramesh Naik has been appointed as a convenor of ad hoc committee.
The communication also announced expulsion of Umesh Salgaonkar for his involvement in the extortion racket.
The State committee was replaced by a seven-member ad hoc committee.
Shiv Sena State unit chief Upendra Gaonkar and deputy Umesh Salgaonkar were arrested on Tuesday by Porvorim police for attempting to extort money from a hotel in the locality.
The duo was caught on camera while demanding money from the hotel management, which has filed a formal complaint with Porvorim police. Both were arrested and later released on bail.
Speaking to Herald from Mumbai, party spokesman Milind Tulaskar said that the order to dissolve the executive committee came from Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackarey.
“The president wants the party to be built properly in Goa,” Tulaskar stated.
He said there were several complaints against the current State executive committee and the thought was given to rejuvenate the party base here.
Tulaskar said that he was asked to furnish detailed report on the affairs of party in the State.
“The incident has happened even before I could finalise my report,” he said.
PONDA CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Most of the Shiv Saniks and office bearers have expressed displeasure over Ramesh Naik’s appointment as president of ad hoc committee.
Speaking to Herald, North Goa Shiv Sena chief Damu Naik said they have convened a meeting at its office in Panjim on Friday morning. He has appealed to all the Shiv Saniks to attend the meeting.
“Appointing Ramesh Naik, who was not active in Shiv Sena activities for the last several years, as ad-hoc committee president is injustice to loyal Shiv Sainiks,” claimed Damu Naik.
